The present invention relates to a switch housing for ATV machines and others having similar controls. More particularly, the invention relates to a switch housing for accommodating the switch actuator geometry for single piece switch actuator designs wherein the opening is closed by inserting a mechanically attached housing insert.

The operation of an ATV requires that the user make multiple switches to control the vehicle. Multiple assemblies are needed to allow for a switch actuator in switch housings when the switch housing actuator is larger than the opening that the actuator arm of the actuator moves in.

It is desirable to minimize the number of components and it is necessary to have a robust construction for ATV use due to the vigorous use these machines encounter.

It would be of advantage in the art if a simple, effective housing for ATV switch actuators could be provided that would be rugged and easy to assemble.

Yet another advantage would be if the housing would permit a switch actuator geometry allowing for a single piece switch actuator design.

Other advantages will appear hereinafter.

A conventional switch mechanism comprising a single circuit board and a single guide means is described in US-A-5,389,754.

It has now been discovered that the above and other advantages of the present invention may be obtained in the following manner. Specifically, the present invention provides a switch activator device for ATV and like devices operating in robust environments.

The present invention provides a switch actuator device as defined in claim 1.

The present invention also provides a method of forming a switch actuator device as defined in claim 5.

In a preferred embodiment, the housing, actuator or actuators and insert are formed by injection molding plastic. Other materials such as metal can be used. Also preferred is that the back of the actuator or actuators and the insert are sized to completely close off the back opening in the housing after the parts have been inserted into the housing.

For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference is hereby made to the drawings, wherein like numbers refer to like elements, and in which:

• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention; and
• FIG. 2 is an exploded view, also in perspective, of the device in FIG. 1 prior to assembly.

The present invention provides for substantial improvements in housing for ATVs and other rough terrain engaging vehicles. In its simplest form, the present invention incorporates an opening in the switch housing that allows for pass-through of the switch actuator geometry, allowing for a single piece switch actuator design rather than prior art designs where multipart assemblies are needed to allow for a switch actuator when the switch actuator is larger than the opening in which the actuator arm of the actuator moves. While the invention is suitable for one or more than one switch actuator, and may include four or six actuators as desired, the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings uses two switch actuators for illustration and not by way of limitation.

The fully assembled housing with switches is shown generally in FIG. 1 by reference 10. Switches 11 and 13 are fully operable.

In FIG. 2, device 10 is shown in an exploded view with housing 15, first switch actuator assembly 17, second switch actuator assembly 19 and insert 21. Housing 15 includes an open back side 23 and an opening 25 in the front 27 of housing 15.

Opening 25 includes a first slot 29 and a second slot 31, each disposed to the side of opening 25. Actuators 17 and 19 each have a full face, 33 and 35 respectively, which form the face of the assembly as seen in FIG. 1. The back portion of faces 33 and 35 have a flange 37 and 39 respectively that fits in slots 29 and 31 respectively. In assembly, first one switch actuator assembly 17 and then the other one 19 are inserted in the back 23 of housing 15 and extended through opening 25 and slid sideways so that flanges 37 and 39 engage slots 29 and 31.

Once the assemblies 17 and 19 are in place, an insert 21 is inserted into the back 23 of housing 15 until insert 21 engages the switch actuator assemblies 17 and 19, and also until the front 41 of insert 21 completes closure of hole 25, as seen in FIG. 1. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the backs of switch actuator assemblies 17 and 19 and the back of insert 21 are sized to close off opening 23 in housing 15. The device is ready to be used with an ATV or other similar vehicle.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended to limit the invention, except as defined by the following claims.

The present invention provides for substantial improvements in housing for ATVs and other rough terrain engaging vehicles. In its simplest form, the present invention incorporates an opening in the switch housing that allows for pass-through of the switch actuator geometry, allowing for a single piece switch actuator design rather than prior art designs where multipart assemblies are needed to allow for a switch actuator when the switch actuator is larger than the opening in which the actuator arm of the actuator moves. While the invention is suitable for one or more than one switch actuator, and may include four or six actuators as desired, the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings uses two switch actuators for illustration and not by way of limitation.

The fully assembled housing with switches is shown generally in Fig. 1 by reference 10. Switches 11 and 13 are fully operable.

In Fig. 2, device 10 is shown in an exploded view with housing 15, first switch actuator assembly 17, second switch actuator assembly 19 and insert 21. Housing 15 includes an open back side 23 and an opening 25 in the front 27 of housing 15.

Opening 25 includes a first slot 29 and a second slot 31, each disposed to the side of opening 25. Actuators 17 and 19 each have a full face, 33 and 35 respectively, which form the face of the assembly as seen in Fig. 1. The back portion of faces 33 and 35 have a flange 37 and 39 respectively that fits in slots 29 and 31 respectively. In assembly, first one switch actuator assembly 17 and then the other one 19 are inserted in the back 23 of housing 15 and extended through opening 25 and slid sideways so that flanges 37 and 39 engage slots 29 and 31.

Once the assemblies 17 and 19 are in place, an insert 21 is inserted into the back 23 of housing 15 until insert 21 engages the switch actuator assemblies 17 and 19, and also until the front 41 of insert 21 completes closure of hole 25, as seen in Fig. 1. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the backs of switch actuator assemblies 17 and 19 and the back of insert 21 are sized to close off opening 23 in housing 15. The device is ready to be used with an ATV or other similar vehicle.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended to limit the invention, except as defined by the following claims.